Peter Shumlin on Education

Publicly fund a college savings plan for each child

Despite having one of the highest graduation rates in the country, we continue to fall short getting more students the college education that is now a prerequisite to earning a decent wage. That's why I signed a bill last year to help
families start saving for college from the day their children are born. My budget will ensure every child born in Vermont will receive a $250 contribution to get a savings plan started, and for low-income Vermonters we will double that to $500.

Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Vermont legislature
, Jan 7, 2016

Provide free college courses for low income people

We need to make it easier for those who are working hard in low-paying jobs to get back to school. In partnership with CCV,
Vermont State Colleges and UVM my budget will provide $2 million to launch Step Up, funding a semester of free courses and support services to help first generation and low income students get back to school.

Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Vermont legislature
, Jan 7, 2016

Dual enrollment for high school students to state college

Dual enrollment for high school students to state college
To help move more poor kids beyond high school, I ask you to pass two provisions that you have heard me speak about before.

The first is dual enrollment. Over the past five years, state funding has provided limited access to Vermont high school
Dual enrollment for high school students to state college
the money follows the student and all Vermont students have access to this important program.

Let's also authorize an early college initiative aimed at expanding the number of students who simultaneously complete their senior year of high school with

Vermont could be Education State if we focus on science

I am convinced that Vermont can become known nationally as the Education State in the coming years.

My priorities include: Focus on the sciences, engineering, technology and mathematics. Support and expand partnerships in the state's business sector
and economy. Maintaining and innovating the essential infrastructure in agriculture. Support the transition to a health care system that contains costs, takes the burden off employers and strengthens health care delivery to keep Vermonters healthy.

Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "UVT"
, Nov 8, 2011

No Child Left Behind has become an obstacle

No Child Left Behind has become an obstacle to those of us committed to the goals of individual achievement, high standards, and quality instruction.

The results of our statewide assessments confirm that actions and sanctions required by No Child Left
Behind have produced little improvement for student populations in Vermont.

We need flexibility for states committed to achieving high standards of education that truly do leave no child behind.

Source: VPA Online website "Waiver"
, Sep 15, 2011

Prioritize resources to ensure future of public schools

Educating our children is a hugely important responsibility. We must prioritize our resources to ensure their future, and our own. Vermonters appreciate the importance of a world-class education.

Peter has fought for education policies that put childre
first. Peter helped write an education funding formula that is the most progressive in the country. It allows every student in Vermont to have access to the same educational opportunities regardless of what community they happen to have been born in.